Info about Hiking

There’s perhaps no better place to go hiking in the country than outside Phoenix. The surrounding areas are perfect for those who want to get in touch with nature and trek off the beaten path. Some of the city’s most popular hiking sports are Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, which have been set aside as parks and natural preserves by the city. South Mountain Park and Preserve covers 16,000 acres and is one of the largest parks in the world, with over 50 miles set for hiking, mountain-biking or horseback-riding, with exceptional views of Phoenix. For beginnings, Papago Park is easy and convenient, and is situated near Glavin Parkway and Van Buren Street. It’s where the Desert Botanical Garden calls its home, as well as the Phoenix Zoo. (A little known fact is that it was also the site of a German POW camp during World War II). Another less-vigorous trail is at North Mountain Park, located on Seventh Street between Dunlap Avenue and Thunderbird Road.